The Buffalo Urban Design Plan is a joint initiative to re-examine the density and layout of the downtown sector. The BUDP has been put together in order to create a higher vision and a general guideline for developers, agencies, and authorities. The initiative was created by the BSC Group, the City of Buffalo, Empire State Development and Cannon Design. The effort is a continuation of the Queen City Hub Plan - instead of hodgepodge development with no common direction, the plan is to create a 'conceptual zoning envelope' to be followed, thus giving the downtown skyline shape.
By first identifying vacant parking parcels, the planners have come up with a building envelope umbrella that shows where building height (number of storeys) is needed for density. The requirements also act as a monetary guideline for future sales. That means that if a developer purchases a City-owned lot, he or she must adhere to the height requirements issued along with the parcel. No more one-storey atrocities in parts of the downtown core. The guidelines area based on the concentric rings that emanate from Niagara Square. Then the radial street grid is drawn in along with a sloping plane from the waterfront. These parameters make up the ultimate conceptual zoning envelope.
Connectivity and a respect for the original city layout are key to seeing a better built Buffalo. The roadways and the building must work with one-another as they did when the city was first laid out. If you look at the bottom image, you will see that there is a vision as to how this can happen. By removing the major roadways that block the people from the waterfront, the city opens up and becomes one with the water. The buildings act as players in the scheme instead of disrupters. Even the truck traffic along a newly formed waterfront boulevard has been placed underground. Is this the future of Downtown Buffalo? Let's hope so. In coming days I'll be featuring different ideas that make up this Buffalo Urban Design Plan.
*Once the vision is complete, all of the players will be brought to the table to help move the plan forward.